Vincent Enyeama: I did not curse the Super Eagles

Vincent Enyeama says he did not curse the Super Eagles of Nigeria, contrary to widely held belief following the team’s goalkeeping woes after his unceremonious international retirement in 2015.

The former Lille OSC shot-stopper is confident that the emergence of Stanley Nwabali as the national team’s first-choice goalkeeper will put an end to rumors suggesting he cursed the team.

Enyeama, renowned as one of Africa’s greatest goalkeepers, earned 101 caps for Nigeria and led the Super Eagles to victory in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. However, his international career ended under controversial circumstances following a dispute with former coach Sunday Oliseh.

After Enyeama’s departure, the Super Eagles faced challenges in finding a suitable replacement, with neither Maduka Okoye nor Francis Uzoho fully convincing in goal.

Nwabali, despite not having played a competitive game for Nigeria before the 2023 AFCON, impressed during the tournament and helped the team reach the final.

Enyeama commended Nwabali’s performances and expressed hope that his success would dispel the notion that he cursed the national team.

He stated in an interview with Lagos Talks FM that Nwabali’s breakthrough has changed the narrative surrounding the goalkeeper position.

“I think Stanley (Nwabali) came in at the right time; for a long time, we have been clamoring for a goalkeeper,” Enyeama told Lagos Talks FM, as per Afrik-Foot.

“We didn’t readily have Okoye, and Uzoho had done well with the national team, but his form is unfortunate.

“I pray he continues in this good form and ends all the talks about me cursing the national team or casting a spell on the national team.

“I received a lot of nasty messages accusing me of all sorts, but thankfully, Stanley came in and helped change that narrative by breaking through the ranks.

“I didn’t curse the national team; if I had the power to do that, I could have currently changed the economic fortunes of Nigeria.”

Nwabali’s inclusion in Nigeria’s squad for upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali demonstrates his importance to the team. However, his participation may be in doubt after sustaining an injury during Chippa United’s recent match against Mamelodi Sundowns.